Apparatus for cleaning and processing metal strip



Feb. 13, 1962 G. F. MENSTER APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL smp 7 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed Oct. 3, 1955 5 O mH l r If I 1N VENTOR GILBERT F. MENSTER ATTO EY Feb. 13, 1962 G. F. MENSTER 3,020,624

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP Filed Oct. 3, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 1N VENTOR GILBERT F. MENSTER Y B ATTORNEY Feb. 13, 1962 F. MENSTER APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed 00'0- 5. 1955 I H uuun-wu wrli nl lun- INVENTOR GILBERT F. MENSTER ATTORNEY Feb. 13, 1962 F. MENSTER 3,020,524

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP Filed Oct. 3, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENT OR GILBERT F. MENSTER BY m zzw ATTORNEY Feb. 13, 1962 e. F, MENSTER 3,020,624

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING mu. STRIP Filed Oct. 3, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENT OR m 2 \N N g N E M F. m mm o m l. o c z 3. mm v A nun N H W. m m w 5 a 2 I n Q n f u 2 mi ii: Cir 2i; I i m 5 w H W :i-

ATI'O Feb. 13, 1962 G. F. MENSTER 3,020,624

APPARATUS FOR-CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP Filed oat 3, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet e GILBERT F. MENSTER BY Wf A'ITO Feb. 13, 1962 r e. F. MENSTE R 3,020,624

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP Filed Oct. :s, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENT OR GILBERT F. MENST ER ATI'ORNE Y BY WULMW United States Patent 3,020,624 APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING METAL STRIP Giihert F. Menster, Canfield, Ohio, assignor to The Mc- Kay Machine Company, Youngstown, Ohio, 21 corporation of Ohio Filed Oct. 3, 1955, Ser. No. 538,084 4 Claims. (Cl. 29-81) The present invention relates to metal strip cleaning and processing machinery for use in connection with strip handling or processing line, and more particularly to an improved device incorporating means to flex and thereby break off surface scale from hot rolled strip and the like and roller leveler means for flattening the strip which device is particularly adapted for use in connectionwith strip lines of the type utilizing coils of strip or sheet in a discontinuous or one-at-a-time manner, as opposed to an endless or continuous manner.

In the stamping and forming of metal parts from sheet or strip material it is common practice to provide, in addition to the stamping and forming equipment, means to support a coil of material for use when and as desired, and means between the uncoiler and the stamping press to clean and process the strip so that surface scale and other foreign matter is removed and so that various surface scale and other foreign matter is removed and so that various surface irregularities such as dents, bends and waves are removed. In some instances so-called continuous lines are employed, wherein there is provided a welder device which is used to join the trailing end of an exhausted strip length to the leading end of a new strip length. For some operations, however, the provision of such additional equipment is economically unsound, and after one coil or length of material is exhausted a new length is threaded through the apparatus. The present invention is related to the latter system, and is concerned primarily with the provision of equipment which facilitates the periodic threading of new strip lengths.

In order to break the surface scale from hot rolled strip stock, for example, it is common practice toprovide a so-called flexing roll which is adapted to be olfset substantially from the pass line defined by cooperating rolls which are positioned on either side of the flexing roll. Thus, the strip is caused to bend sharply in reverse directions to severely stress the outer or surface layers of the stock.

Likewise, in order to level the strip toremove the irregularities and deformities therefrom the strip is caused to pass through a series of staggered rollers which re versely flex the strip through a series of progressively decreasing bends, the strip emerging from the last of the rollers in a flat ready to use condition.

In handling or processing strip material of different thicknesses, or of different hardness characteristics, for example, it is often desirable to adjust the leveling rolls so that the bends are more or less severe at the entry end, as well as to adjust the processing rolls to that a greater or smaller surface stressing flex is imparted to the strip. As a primary object, therefore, the present invention seeks to provide a novel apparatus which includes 0r incorporates improved power operated mechanism for moving the processing and leveling rolls apart to assist in the threading of new strip lengths into the apparatus, the mechanism being characterized by the provision of means therein for permitting certain independent adjustments apart from the basic separating and closing movements.

One of the specific objects of the invention resides in the provision of accurate limit switch controls in connection with the roll assemblies which are periodically separated and closed so that after separating to permit the 3,020,624 Patented Feb. 13, 1962 threading of a new length of material the roll assemblies may be readily and accurately closed to their initial positions from a remote station.

Another specific object of the invention resides in the provision of power operated mechanism for separating and closing certain of the roll assemblies of strip cleaning and/or processing apparatus wherein are incorporated remotely operable clutch means for disengaging certain adjustable portions of the apparatus While other adjustable portions undergo adjustment. Thus, in the case of a set of leveling rolls, for example, it is generally desirable to separate and close one entire set of rolls Without changing the relative disposition thereof with respect to the other set of rolls. However, occasionally it is desirable to tilt one of the sets of rolls with respect to the other. Therefore, in accordance with the teachings of the invention one or" the sets of leveling rolls is provided with adjustable mounting means at each end, both of which means are normally simultaneously operated by a single power mechanism, whiie one of such mounting means is disconneotible from a remote control station so that upon operation of the power mechanism the movable set of rolls is merely tilted.

In connection with the above object, it is a further specific object to provide a combined power mechanism for selectively tilting or separating and closing the leveling rolls, for example, which includes limit switch means operative upon closing movement of movable set or sets of rolls to automatically properly position the sets of rolls, such limit switch means being unaffected by any tilting adjustment which may be imparted to the rolls.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a strip processing apparatus of the type havin spaced rolls defining a pass line for strip therebetween and having a further so-called flexing roll adapted to be offset substantially from such pass line whereby the strip is caused to be to be reversely flexed in a rather severe manner, the apparatus being characterized by the provision of novel and improved means for supporting and adjustably positioning the flexing roll so that the relatively large forces exerted thereon in flexing the strip are properly and adequately resisted.

Yet another specific object of the invention is the provision of a novel strip processing apparatus of the type having an offset processing or flexing roll and means to move the same from an operative position offset on one side of the above defined pass line for the strip to a retracted position offset on the pass line for the strip which is characterized by the provision of a novel safety mechanism which prevents the inadvertent feeding of a new length of strip into the apparatus unless the flexing roll is in its retracted offset position. 7

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon full consideration of the following detailed specification and accompanying drawing wherein is disclosed a certain rreferredtembodimerit of the invention.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a strip processing apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG- URE l;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevation of the apparatus of PEG- URE '1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged section view taken generally along line IV-'IV of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE-S 5 and 6 are section views taken generally along line V-V and VI-VI respectively of FIGURE 4;

FIGURES 7 and 8 are fragmentary top plan views of the apparatus of FIGURE 1, with parts broken away to illustrate some of the improved features of my invention;

FIGURE 9 is a section view taken generally along line VIII-VIII of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 10 is a simplified schematic representation of certain control apparatus employed in connection with the apparatus of my invention.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to FIG- URES 14 thereof, the numeral 10 designates a machine frame 10 which is mounted in transverse relation to a pass line or line of movement 11 of metal strip material. As viewed in the drawings, the left hand side of the processing machine constitutes the strip entry side, at which there is provided a strip cleaning station 12, comprising a pair of opposed brush rolls 13 and 14 positioned respectively above and below the pass line 1-1 in such manner as to have contacting relation with strip material passing therebetween. The brush rolls 13 and 14 are adjustably positioned by means of threaded supporting rods 15 and adjusting hand wheels 16 and 17, and are adapted to be rapidly rotated by means of a drive motor 18 and transmission assembly 19 mounted at one side of the frame or base 10.

Adjacent the cleaning station 12, on the strip exit side thereof, is a flexing or processing station 20 comprising a first pair of pinch rolls 21, a second pair of pinch rolls 22, generally referred to as pulling rolls, which are positioned in spaced relation to the first pinch rolls 21, and a flexing roll 23 which is positioned between the pinch and pulling rolls 21 and 22. As shown in FIGURE 4, the spaced pairs of pinch rolls 21 and 22 define a pass line or path for strip material moving between the sets of rolls, and in accordance with usual practice the flexing roll is mounted for vertical movement from one side to the other of the path thus defined. The arrangement is such that the flexing roll 23 may be moved to a retracted position, below the pass line between the rolls 21 and 22, so that a new length of strip material may be threaded into the apparatus, the flexing roll 23 then being moved upwardly to a position above the pass line so that the strip is caused to be flexed upwardly and stressed first in one direction and then in the other to break off brittle surface scale and the like.

On the exit side of the flexing or processing station 20 is a leveling station 24 which comprises opposed sets of small diameter rolls 25. The rolls 25 are arranged in staggered relation so that as the strip passes between the sets thereof it is caused to assume a sinuous path of travel. In accordance with usual practice the sets of leveling rolls are tilted slightly, one with respect to the other, so that the strip is flexed or deformed rather severely at the entry side, and in a progressively diminishing manner toward the exit side.

Referring again to the flexing station 20, as shown in FIGURE 4, it will be observed that the lower pinch roll of the pair 21 thereof is supported along its bottom edge by means of a plurality of back-up rolls 26 which are mounted by means of suitable upwardly extending brackets 27 onto the main frame 10. Similarly, the lower pulling roll of the pair 22 thereof is supported by back-up rolls 28 mounted in generally fixed relation to the machine frame '10. The upper pinch and pulling rolls are mounted at their ends in slidable bearing blocks 29 and 30 as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 5, for example. The bearing blocks 29, supporting the upper pinch roll of the pair 21, are engaged by means of threaded vertically disposed lifting rods 31, as shown in FIGURE 5. The rods are provided adjacent their lower ends with reduced portions 32 headed by enlarged ends by means of which a slight lost motion connection is afforded between the lifting rods 31 and bearing blocks 29. Springs 33 are normally interposed between the upper sides of the hearing blocks 29 and enlarged shoulders or flanges 34 on the lifting rods 31 so that the blocks 29 are normally urged downwardly with respect to the rods 31.

Iournaled in the frame 10 above the bearing blocks 29 are internally threaded worm wheels 35 which are engaged by worm gears, not specifically illustrated, carried by an elongated shaft 36 which extends from one side to the other of the frame 10 and outwardly of each side thereof. At the front side of the frame 10 the shaft 36 mounts a hand wheel 37 which may be used to manually rotate the shaft 36 to thereby raise or lower the lifting rods 31 and bearings 29. At the back side of the frame 10 the shaft 36 mounts a magnetic clutch 38 which per se may be of conventional design. The clutch 38 is pro vided with a drive sprocket 39 by means of which one member of the clutch may be rotated. The other or driven member of the clutch is keyed to the control shaft 36 and is arranged to be selectively placed in driving engagement with the driven member of the clutch so that upon rotation of the latter the shaft 36 is rotated to ad just the bearings 29, and hence the upper pinch roll, in a desired direction.

Brushes 40, connecting with a suitable source of control power, not shown, are provided to energize the clutch 38 at proper times.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, it will be observed that the upper pulling roll of the pair 22 thereof is journaled at its opposite ends in bearing blocks 41 which are slidably received in the main frame 10. The bearings 41 are carried, by means of spaced threaded lifting rods 42 which have a slight lost motion connection with the bearing blocks. The lifting rods 42 are engaged at their upper ends by worm wheels 43 which are drivingly engaged with suitable worm gears, not specifically shown, carried adjacent opposite ends of a control shaft 44 (see FIG- URE 5).

Positioned above the upper pulling roll is a heavy beam 45 which mounts a plurality of sets of back-up rolls 46 arranged to engage and press downwardly upon the upper pulling roll. The beam 45 is slidably mounted in the frame 10, for limited vertical movement, and is continually urged downwardly by means of heavy springs 47 acting against flanges 48 on the lifting rods 42. The arrangement is such that upon rotation of the worm wheels 43 in a direction to move the lifting rods 42 in a downward direction the springs 47 bear upon the beam 45 to forcibly but resiliently urge the same downwardly, thereby, through the medium of the back-up rolls 46, moving the upper pulling roll downwardly into good gripping contact with a length of strip material.

For effecting adjustments of the upper pulling roll there is provided at the forward end of the control shaft 44 therefor a hand wheel 49, which is conveniently positioned for manual operation; and at the rearward end of the shaft 44 there is provided a universal connection 50, by means of which the shaft 44 is connected through a short drive shaft 51 (see FIGURE 2) to adjusting motor 52. As shown in FIGURE 5, there is also provided at the rearward end of the control shaft 44 a drive sprocket 53 which is aligned with the sprocket 39 carried by the pinch roll control shaft 36. A chain 54 is entrained about the sprockets 39 and 53 so that when the adjusting motor 52 is energized the control shaft 36, as well as control shaft 44, is driven, assuming that the driving and driven components of the magnetic clutch 38 are properly engaged.

Thus, it will be apparent that by appropriate actuation of the adjusting motor 52 the upper pinch roll and upper pulling roll of the respective pairs 21 and 22 thereof may be simultaneously raised and lowered. However, in the event that it becomes desirable to adjust the pulling roll relative to the pinch roll, for example, as for the purpose of increasing the pulling roll pressure without increasing the pinch roll pressure, the magnetic clutch is deenergized (or energized, as the case may be) to release the pinch roll power adjustment, and the pulling roll may be independently raised and lowered as the motor 52 is energized.

Referring again to FIGURE 4, it will be observed that while the lower levelling rolls 2-5 are mounted in fixed (though slightly adjustable) relation on the frame 10 the upper leveling rolls are movably carried by means of heavy spaced side frame members 55 connected across the top by means of a heavy beam 56. At each side of the frame structure for the upper leveling rolls, or in each of the side frame members 55, there are provided connecting pins 57 and 58, at the entry and exit sides respectively of the members 55, which connect with vertically extending supporting rods 59 and 60. The rods 59 and as are threaded at their lower ends for engage: ment with internally threaded worm wheels 61 and 62 which are journaled in the main frame 1i).

As in the case of the pinch and pulling roll controlling worm wheels 35 and 43, the worm wheels 61 and 62 are engaged with worm gears supported by transversely extending control shafts 63 and 64 respectively. Each of these shafts extends outwardly of both sides of the machine frame; and attached to the forward ends of the shafts are hand wheel-s 65 and 66 for the purpose of manual adjustments.

At the back side of the machine frame 10 the right hand or exit side control shaft 64 for the leveling rolls is provided with a drive connection with a second adjusting motor 67. Also mounted on the control shaft 64 at the back of the frame is a sprocket 68 which is aligned with a similar sprocket 6% carried onthe entry side control shaft 63. The last mentioned sprocket 69 is secured in driving relation to the driving member or component of a magnetic clutch 7d, the driven member of this same clutch being keyed to the entry side control shaft '53.

Thus, when the adjusting motor 67 is actuated the upper set of leveling rolls 25 is raised or lowered, both the supporting rods 59 and 6G therefor being raised or lowered in unison. However, in the event it is desired to tilt the upper leveling rolls slightly, in order to increase or decrease the rate of divergence thereof from the the entry to the exit side, the magnetic clutch 70 may be energized or deenergized, whichever is appropriate, so that only the exit side supporting rods are caused to raise or lower upon actuation of the adjusting motor 67.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention I provide, for the purpose of adjustably supporting the processing or flexing roll 23, an elongated transversely disposed beam-like member 71 having upwardly extending journal portions 72 at each end to rotatably receive the elongated flexing roll 23. The beam-like member 71 is slidably received at its end portions in the frame 10, for vertical movement with respect to the latter, so that the flexing roll may be moved from a retracted position below the pass line of the strip to an operative position above the strip pass line.

At spaced points across the beam-like member 71 there are provided back-up roll assemblies 28 which are rigidly secured to the lower wall of the member 71 in such manner as to engage lower surface portions of the flexing roll 23 to prevent any substantial deflection of the same with respect to the beam-like member 71.

Since the downward forces exerted upon the flexing roll 23 during processing operations are substantial I have found it desirable to provide further means for supporting the beam-like member 71, which means, in accordance with the teachings of the invention further serves to adjustably support the beam 71 so that the position of the flexing roll 23 may be adjusted as desired. Thus, as illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 5, the beam-like member 71 is provided on its lower surface, directly below the back-up roll assemblies 28, and adjacent the end extremities of the beam, with follower roll assemblies 73.

Directly below the several follower roll assemblies 73 is a heavy shaft '74 which is journaled in transverse relation in the frame 10 and which mounts a plurality of cam members or eccentrics 75 which are adapted to engage the follower rolls 73. Immediately adjacent each of the eccentrics 75, on the frame 10, are heavy journal bearings 76 which provide rigid support for the shaft '74, as clearly indicated in FIGURE 9. The arrangement is such that the high forces exerted upon the flexing roll 23 during processing of a strip length are transmitted through the back-up roll assemblies 28 to the beam-like member 71, and through the latter member and the follower rolls '73 mounted on the lower wall thereof to the eccentrics 75, and through the latter to the rigid frame assembly 10.

For adjusting the rotary position of the eccentrics 75, whereby to adjust the vertical position of the flexing roll 23, the shaft 74 connects through suitable reduction gearing in the transmission 19 which specially designed electric motor 77 which is adapted to operate at very low speed, with very high torque. Thus, by suitable energization of the motor 77 the flexing roll 23 may be moved to any position within its range of movement, with full back-up support being provided in all such positions.

To assist in lowering the flexing I031 23 and beam-like support 71 therefor into retracted position I have provided a pair of fluid cylinders 78 and 7% at opposite sides of the machineframe 10. The operating rods of the cylinders '78 and 79 are connected to the ends of the beam-like member 71 so that upon application of fluid pressure to the upper ends of the cylinders the beam-like member is drawn downwardly as the eccentrics 75 are rotated in a retracting direction.

One of the features of the invention resides in the provision of limit switch monitored control means with which, after the various roll assemblies have been opened I or retracted to permit of the threading of a new strip length into the apparatus, the rolls may be caused to move in a closing direction from a control station positioned remotely of the machine proper and caused to stop in justable switch operating members 81 and 82. Mounted at spaced points on the main frame 10, are limit switches 83 and 84, which are adapted to be engaged by the operating members 81 and 82 as the frame assembly moves into either an upper or lower limit position.

As shown in FIGURE 10, the drive motor 67 for the leveling roll adjusting mechanism isprovided with an actuating circuit which includes relays 85 and 86 which may be selectively energized to cause the leveling rolls to be adjusted upwardly or downwardly. Thus, to raise the leveling rolls, for example, a switch 87 is closed to energize relay 85. This energizes the motor 67 in such a direction as to cause the leveling rolls to move upwardly. The magnetic clutch 70 is engaged at this time so that both ends of the leveling roll assembly move up wardly together. 7

Relay is provided with a self-holding circuit so that once the switch 87 is closed the motor 67 remains energized. However, after the leveling rolls have been raised a predetermined amount the upper limit switch, having contacts in series'with the energizing coil for relay 85, is opened and the motor 67 is deenergized, along with the relay 85.

To subsequently lower or close the leveling. rolls a switch 88 is closed momentarily to energize relay 86. This causes the motor 67 to rotate in a reverse direction so that the leveling rolls move in a closing direction. After a predetermined closing movement the lower limit switch 84 is opened to deenergize relay 86 and motor 67. The leveling rolls are then positioned in a precisely adjusted operating position.

If necessary the upper set of leveling rolls may be tilted without requiring adjustment of the limit switches 83 and 84. Thus, a switch 89 is first operated to disengage the magnetic clutch 70. Following this, one of the switches 87 or '88 is closed to energize its associated relay 85 or 86, thereby raising or lowering the forward end only of the upper leveling roll assembly. Stop switches 90 or 91 may then be operated to deenergize the motor 67 at the desired time. Magnetic clutch 70 is now reengaged by operation of switch S9, and the entire upper leveling roll assembly may be raised and lowered in the manner previously described.

Likewise, in the case of the pinch and pulling roll assemblies 21 and 22, the adjustment drive motor 52 therefor is provided with control relays 92 and 93 adapted for selective energization to cause the motor 52 to effect upward or downward adjustments. The first mentioned relay 92 is controlled by means of a switch 94 which, as long as it is held in a closed position, will cause the motor 52 to move in an upward adjusting direction.

Relay 93, when energized by the closing of switch 95, causes the motor 52 to move in a downward adjusting direction, moving the upper pinch roll and upper pulling roll downwardly until a limit switch 96 is actuated to drop out the relay 93 and deenergize the adjusting motor 52. At this point the pinch and pulling rolls 21 and 22 are positioned in an exact predetermined operating relation in which the strip may be properly gripped by the rolls 21 and 22.

For adjusting the pulling rolls 22 and pinch rolls 21 independently the magnetic clutch 38 is disengaged and the the upper pulling is raised or lowered alone. Then, upon subsequent lowering of the pinch and pulling rolls simultaneously the upper pulling roll will be stopped in the same position as before, while the upper pinch roll will be in either more or less pressure contact with its mating roll.

In the actuation of the flexing roll 23 the adjusting motor 77 therefor is energized in one direction or the other by means of relays 97 and 98 so that eccentrics 75 are rotated to either raise or lower the flexing roll 23. A switch 99 is provided in the operating circuit for the relay 97, and when this switch is momentarily closed the motor 77 moves in such a direction as to cause the flexing roll 23 to raise, until a limit switch 100 is tripped. At this point the flexing roll is in operating position, which is adjustably determined by the switch 100. In a similar manner, downward or retracting movement of the flexing roll 23 is initiated by momentary closing of a switch 101 which energizes relay 98 until limit switch 102 is opened as the roll 23 moves into its lowermost position.

It will be understood, of course, that while it is shown in FIGURE that the flexing roll controlling limit switches 100 and 102 are controlled by movements of the flexing roll support, it may be desirable to employ cam type switches operating directly from the eccentric supporting shaft 74, for example.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, as well as FIGURE 10, it will be observed that there is provided at the strip entry side of the processing apparatus a relatively narrow transversely elongated opening 103 through which the strip material is passed as it enters the processing machine. Outwardly of the opening 103 there is provided a vertically movable gate member 104 which is carried by the piston member of a fluid cylinder 105. Normally the cylinder 105 is so energized as to lightly urge the gate 104 downwardly onto the top surface of the strip material. When the trailing edge of the strip moves through the opening 103 the gate 104 then moves down onto a horizontal strip supporting member 106, thereby closing off the strip entry opening into the processing machine.

To control the application of fluid pressure to the gate operating cylinder 105 there is provided a valve 106 which is normally arranged to permit the passage of pressure fluid into the upper end of cylinder 105. The valve 106 is of a solenoid operated type, having its actuating coil connected in series with normally open contacts of limit switch 102. The arrangement is such that when, and only when, the flexing roll 23 is moved into its lowered position the valve 106 is actuated to direct pressure fluid into the lower end of the gate operating cylinder 105. This is a safety feature which is provided for the purpose of preventing the threading of a new length of strip material into the processing apparatus unless the flexing roll is in a retracted position.

It should thus be apparent that I have accomplished the objects initially set forth. My strip processing machine incorporates many improvement features providing for highly efficient operation as well as simplified construction.

One of the important features of the invention is my improved arrangement for mounting and supporting the flexing roll 23 so that the large deflecting forces applied thereto may be effectively resisted. In this respect, I provide a rotatable shaft which is rigidly journaled on the main frame and which carries eccentric members for supporting the flexing roll at various vertical positions with respect to the frame. The arrangement is highly simplified and eliminates the need for heavy movable beam structures as has been required heretofore.

Another novel and advantageous feature of my invention is my improved adjusting arrangement for the pinch and pulling rolls and for the leveling rolls. This arrangement provides for the quick opening and closing of the various roll assemblies, by power means and from a remote control station, so that new strip lengths may be quickly fed into the machine. For this purpose I employ a novel combination of limit switches and electrically operated clutches so that while in normal operation the various roll assemblies may be automatically returned to a precisely predetermined position various individual adjustments may be effected by first disconnecting the electrically operated clutches.

It should be understood, however, that the embodiment herein illustrated and described is intended to be representative only since many changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the following appended claims in determining the true scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A strip processing machine of the type adapted to process strip lengths in one-at-a-time relation comprising a frame, a working roll received within said frame, said working roll being movable between extended and retracted positions for working strip lengths and to allow the threading of the leading ends of the strip lengths, respectively, an opening at the entry side of said machine for the reception of said leading ends of said strip lengths moving toward said working roll, a member adapted when in a first position to block said opening and when in a second position to clear said opening, means to control the position of said member in response to the position of said Working roll whereby when said working roll is in said extended position said member is urged into said first position, and said means to control being operative upon said working roll being moved to said retracted position to cause said member to move into said second position.

2. A strip processing machine of the type having a frame and an elongated thin diametered working roll, means to movably support said working roll with respect to said frame, said last mentioned means comprising an elongated shaft extending in generally parallel relation with and disposed to one side of said working roll, a plurality of eccentrics mounted at longitudinally spaced points along said elongated shaft, means to rotatably support said elongated shaft in rigid relation with respect to said frame, said last mentioned means comprising a plurality of bearing members mounted on said frame and engaging said elongated shaft at points closely adjacent said eccentrics, an elongated beam-like supporting member extending in generally parallel relation with and disposed to said one side of said working roll, said supporting member being positioned in spaced relation between said Working roll and said elongated shaft, a plurality of longitudinally spaced follower roll assemblies mounted from said supporting member, each of said follower roll assemblies engaging one of said eccentrics, a plurality of longitudinally spaced back-up roll assemblies mounted from said supporting member, said back-up roll assemblies engaging said working roll at longitudinally spaced points, said bearing members, said eccentrics, said follower roll assemblies and said back-up roll assemblies being positioned substantially in alignment with respect to each other to define a plurality of longitudinally spaced normally extending beam-like supports for said Working roll, and means to rotate said elongated shaft to variably position said working roll.

3. A strip processing machine of the type having a frame and an elongated thin diametered working roll, means to movably support said working roll with respect to said frame, said last mentioned means comprising an elongated shaft extending in generally parallel relation with and disposed to one side of said working roll, a plurality of eccentrics mounted at longitudinally spaced points along said elongated shaft, means to rotatably support said elongated shaft in rigid relation with respect to said frame, an elongated beam-like supporting member extending in generally parallel relation with and disposed to one side of said working roll, a plurality of longitudinally spaced follower assemblies mounted from said supporting member, each of said follower assemblies engaging one of said eccentrics, a plurality of longitudinally spaced back-up assemblies mounted from said supporting member, said back-up assemblies engaging said working roll at longitudinally spaced points, said eccentrics, said follower assemblies and said back-up assemblies being positioned substantially in alignment with respect to eachother to References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 295,217 York Mar. 18, 1884 1,317,714 Locke Oct. 7, 1919 1,353,135 Alnutt Sept. 21, 1920 1,566,010 Hively Dec. 15, 1925 1,649,706 Kelley Nov. 15, 1927 1,718,064 Naugle June 18, 1929 1,855,709 Eksergian Apr. 26, 1932 2,004,596 Biggert June 11, 1935 2,014,475 Hughes Sept. 17,1935 2,110,257 Bennett Mar. 8, 1938 2,132,426 Maussnest Oct. 11, 1938 2,219,811 Friedman Oct. 29, 1940 2,256,520 Johansen Sept. 23, 1941 2,321,878 Tyrrell June 15, 1943 2,332,289 Zeilten Oct. 19, 1943 2,335,196 Pecsok Nov. 23, 1943 2,353,375 Todd July 11, 1944 2,391,499 Yoder Dec. 25, 1945 2,586,975 Messinger Feb. 26, 1952 2,684,001 Wilson July 20, 1954 2,746,128 Barron et a1. May 22, 1956 2,776,586 Sendzimir Jan. 8, 1957 2,790,229 Hellstrom Apr. 30, 1957 2,824,321 Bandy Feb. 25, 1958 

